Save time by adding this page to your list of favorites. On your next visit, you'll find a shortcut to this page in the main menu

Line 3 Deactivation

Add To Favorites

My Favorite

Return to this page later

Save time by adding this page to your list of favorites. On your next visit, you'll find a shortcut to this page in the main menu

The Line 3 Replacement Project is an integrity and maintenance driven project. Once the Line 3 Replacement pipeline becomes operational, the existing Line 3 will be permanently deactivated in place. Enbridge is responsible for its pipelines, whether they are active or not. Enbridge will continue to monitor the deactivated pipeline and maintain the right-of-way.

Your browser does not support the video tag. Please upgrade your browser.

52467694440015246769444001

The Need for Line 3 Replacement

Your browser does not support the video tag. Please upgrade your browser.

52467739840015246773984001

Deactivation in Place

Deactivation facts

Independent engineering research and analysis, as well as historical knowledge of out-of-service pipelines, have determined that deactivated pipelines with adequate cover will have a very long remaining life as load-bearing structures, even after many decades of deactivation. Enbridge will continue monitoring the right-of-way and mitigate concerns related to our pipeline should a need develop that impacts public safety, the environment or land use.

Environmental regulatory requirements prohibit altering current hydrology. Therefore, the Line 3 deactivation process will protect water resources to ensure that the deactivated pipeline will not drain any fields, lakes, rivers, streams or other wetland areas.

Enbridge has a vested interest in ensuring that any deactivated pipeline does not compromise land use or the integrity of the other pipelines that share the right-of-way.

Enbridge will continue to operate the existing pipeline safely while the new pipeline is installed, because refineries in the Midwest served by the pipeline rely on continuous deliveries of crude oil to provide the gasoline, heating oil, and other products that we use every day.

The deactivation process

1. Remove the oil from the pipeline: The pipeline is purged of product using an inert gas.

2. Clean the pipeline: A combination of pipeline cleaning tools (known as "pigs") and cleaning solutions are used to wipe and clean the pipelines.

3. Disconnect the pipeline: The pipeline is physically disconnected and sealed off from the active operational facilities.

4. Monitor the right-of-way: The pipeline will continue to be monitored with regular pipeline patrols, pipeline signs indicating location, depth-of-cover surveys and inclusion in Call/Click Before You Dig programs.